Coach Ami Leso passed away on Thursday August 18, 2011. He was 90 years old.
Coach Leso is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lea, and her three children Karen Hegglin, Rusty Leso (Bev), and Shannon Leso (Karen).
Coach Leso is also survived by seven grandchildren (Melissa Dean (Mark), Rebecca Pasquinelli (Tim), Sarah Simon (Joe), Roseanne Leso, Tony Leso, Marie Leso and Carmen Leso), as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Coach Leso proudly served his country during WWII with the U.S. Navy. After the war he attended U.C. Berkely earning a B.A. in Physical Education, then completed his education with a Masters from San Jose State.
Coach Leso began his coaching career at San Lorenzo High School, followed by Orestimba High School, Gilroy High School, and finally Live Oak High School, where he taught and coached from 1957 to 1980. He coached football, basketball, baseball, wrestling and track, at the varsity level.
Coach Leso was also an accomplished coach of womens gymnastics, fitness, self defense, and karate. Both he and his wife shared the love of adventure travel and mountain climbing.
The Coach was also adept at playing many musical instruments such as guitar, mandolin, dobro, autoharp, ukulele, banjo, accordian, organ and harmonica. He played by ear, having no formal training. Along with his musical talent he was also a magician, and often entertained both children and adults with music and magic shows.
He believed in living life to the fullest, was always quick with the crack of a joke, and was loved very much by his family.
Coach will be missed, as he touched and made a difference in many lives.
Memorial Service to be held Sunday August 28, 2011, at the Masonic Hall, 380 W. Dunne Ave. Morgan Hill, CA 95037, at 1:00 P.M.
